Is acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture is a safe, painless, and highly effective treatment when performed by a licensed acupuncturist. Used for thousands of years, acupuncture is trusted worldwide for treating both acute and chronic conditions. According to the World Health Organization’s 2019 Global Report on Traditional and Complementary Medicine, acupuncture is widely used in 183 countries and regions worldwide
Safety and Hygiene in Acupuncture
Minimal Risk of Injury – The incidence of patient injuries is comparable to massage therapy, making it one of the safest treatment modalities available.
Sterile, Single-Use Needles – Acupuncture needles are FDA-approved, sterilized, and disposed of immediately in approved sharps containers to ensure the highest hygiene standards.
Licensed Practitioners Only – A trained acupuncturist follows strict protocols to provide a comfortable, relaxing, and risk-free experience.
Is acupuncture painful?
Acupuncture treatments are not painful. Acupuncture is performed with hair-thin needles that do not cause the pain felt from a hypodermic needle which is 4 times larger in diameter than an acupuncture needle. Patients often fall asleep and are in deep level of relaxation on the table.
Are there any side effects?
One of the great advantages of acupuncture is that it is very safe. Other than an occasional bruise, minor bleeding at the site of needling, there are few side effects.
How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture triggers the body to heal itself. It promotes the release of endogenous opioids (powerful natural pain killers) as well as balances the endocrine system and shifts the nervous system from sympathetic (fight or flight) to parasympathetic (rest and repair).
What is dry needling?
As an acupuncturist, I often get asked about dry needling and how it fits into the world of healing. Dry needling is one technique of many in acupuncture referred to “Trigger Point Needling” where acupuncture needles are inserted into tight muscle knots, or trigger points, to relieve pain and improve movement. MDs, Physical Therapists and Chiropractors use this technique to “reset” those stubborn spots, and don’t need to be knowledgeable about acupuncture points, meridians, or traditional Chinese medical theory, however there are more “adverse events” when needling is performed by practitioners other than Board-Certified Licensed Acupuncturists such as pneumothorax (lung punctures).
What training is required to become a licensed acupuncturist?
A minimum of a master’s degree program is required to practice, consisting of 3-4 years of 2,000+ hours of didactic (classroom) training (Anatomy & Physiology, Pathology, Bacteriology, Virology, orthopedic physical examination techniques, and Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, clean needle technique, herbology, etc.) and a year or more of internship. Some schools have hospital privileges for their interns to allow them to work side by side with medical residents. After completion of their medical training, graduates must pass an 8 hour certification examination developed by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. Virginia acupuncturists are licensed through the Virginia Board of Medicine and require 60 credits of continuing education every 3 years in acupuncture and biomedicine to maintain their licensure.
Where are the needles placed?
Needles are inserted at specific acupuncture points on the body. Depending on the specific condition the needles commonly are placed at or below the elbows on the arms, and at or below the knees. Other common areas are on the back, abdomen and ears.
What should I expect from my first evaluation and treatment?
During the first treatment Bill will take a complete health history and establish a complete evaluation of the condition you are seeking treatment for and ask you questions about diet and lifestyle. He will feel your pulse, look at your tongue and perform any necessary orthopedic exams to differentially diagnose musculoskeletal conditions. Please wear loose clothing.
Can I receive acupuncture when I’m pregnant?
Acupuncture is safe during pregnancy and can help relieve many pregnancy and postpartum conditions including back pain and morning sickness. Because there are some acupuncture points that are contraindicated during pregnancy, it is important to inform the practitioner if you are pregnant. We highly recommend acupuncture through your first trimester to help assist embryo development, prevent miscarriage, and address any other symptoms that may arise.
How can I prepare for my acupuncture treatment?
The best way to prepare is to eat a snack or a light meal before treatment so your body has sufficient energy to work with. Wear loose clothing, and avoid caffeine before your visit.
Do Western medical doctors approve of acupuncture?
Yes. There are approximately 38,000 licensed acupuncturists in the U.S., and the top 10 hospital systems in the country (such as Johns Hopkins and Cleveland Clinic) offer acupuncture services in both in-patient and outpatient settings. In addition, the National Institutes of Health Library of Medicine has more than 30,000 studies on Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine (including moxibustion, gua sha, cupping and herbal medicine). The FDA regulates acupuncture needles as medical devices.
Are there any additional resources you recommend?
Yes, here are a list of those:
- Bill Recently published a landmark paper sponsored by the Society of Acupuncture Research and the American Society of Acupuncturists entitled, “The State of 21st Century Acupuncture in the United States,” published in the Journal of Pain Research.
- The National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine – they create the examinations to pass in order to be nationally board certified. You can find a practitioner throughout the US using a zip code or city/state, and can read about their advocacy efforts on the Hill: NCCAOM.org
- The Acupuncture Evidence Project, which is a comprehensive literature review detailing scientific evidence for acupuncture in the treatment of 117 conditions: Read the PDF
- The American Society of Acupuncturists is the “AMA” of acupuncture, and offers good information relating to acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine for the consumer.
- The National Institutes of Health National Cancer Institute has a web page promoting acupuncture for the treatment of side effects related to cancer treatment: NCI Acupuncture Information
- Nancy’s list offers a comprehensive selection of providers who specialize in cancer care: Nancy’s List